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THIS ISSUE AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH EXPANDED INFORMATION AND PHOTOS AT:
www.hhs.gov/news/newsletter/weekly

IN THIS ISSUE:
1) Secretary Thompson addresses the National Hispanic Leadership Summit
2) Thompson to Launch Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day
3) HHS awards $140 million to health care organizations that suffered losses from September 11 attacks

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Secretary Thompson addresses the National Hispanic Leadership Summit

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson, addressing the the National Hispanic Leadership Summit on Wednesay, September 18th, renewed the Bush Administration's commitment to covering the uninsured, welfare reform, and controlling health care costs.

"The Bush Administration is working harder, with more positive results, than any Administration in history to reform American health care and social services. And we're committed to doing it in partnership with the very people who make our system of health care the very best in the world - the physicians, the manufacturers, the researchers - and you, the community leaders of our great nation," Secretary Thompson said.

The fiscal year 2003 budget embraces a comprehensive approach to increasing access to quality health care for Americans, and it increases funding for community health centers by $165 million.

The Bush Administration has also intensified the partnership with the states by working with governors to give them the flexibility they need to best provide health care under the Medicaid and S-CHIP programs.

In the last year, HHS approved more than 1,400 state plan amendments and Medicaid and S-Chip waivers - some that had been languishing before the federal government for more than a decade. As a result, those waivers have expanded the opportunity for health coverage to 1.8 million Americans and expanded existing benefits to 4.5 million more.

Secretary Thompson affirmed that expanded access to insurance must be accompanied by a vigorous attack on spiraling health care costs and medical malpractice reform. Because federal government health programs cover approximately 50 percent of Americans, rising malpractice costs as a part of healthcare expenses is a matter of great federal interest.

Secretary Thompson also addressed the Administration's plans for welfare reform. Over the past five years, welfare reform has exceeded the most optimistic expectations. The 1996 law dramatically shifted national welfare policy by promoting work, encouraging personal responsibility, and supporting marriage. As a result, nearly seven million fewer people (of which 2.8 million are children) are on welfare today than in 1996.

Secretary Thompson again affirmed that it is time to take the next bold step in reforming welfare. "This administration's priorities include strengthening work requirements, promoting strong families, giving states more flexibility - and showing compassion to those in need," he said.

The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or TANF program, is a major part of the Administration's efforts. Due to TANF, employment among single mothers has grown to unprecedented levels, child poverty rates are at their lowest level since 1979, and overall child poverty rates have declined nearly 20% since 1996.

The FY 2003 budget seeks $16.5 billion for block TANF grants to States and Tribes and an additional $319 million each year for Supplemental Grants in order for states that have experienced high population growth and had historically low funding levels to achieve parity.

In order to maximize self-sufficiency through work, states will be required to engage all TANF families headed by an adult in activities leading to self-sufficiency. Welfare recipients will be required to engage in a 40 hour work-week, at least 24 hours of which must be in direct work, including employment, on the job training, and/or supervised work experience.

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Thompson to Launch Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day

On Tuesday, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson will urge African Americans across the country to take a family member or loved one to see a doctor. This nationwide event is aimed to help eliminate disparities in health care faced by the African American community.

"You never see a bumper sticker that says, 'I'd rather be seeing the doctor.' Sometimes we need a little encouragement to make that appointment. So that's why I'm calling on everyone to take a loved one to the doctor," Secretary Thompson said.

Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day is the signature event for the department's Closing the Health Gap campaign, created through a unique partnership between HHS and ABC Radio Networks. More than 350 national, state and local organizations spanning 45 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico have partnered with HHS for the event and are hosting local activities in their communities.

HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that overall life expectancy for African Americans at birth is about 6 years less than for Whites and while African-Americans comprise only 12 percent of the U.S. population, they account for an estimated 54 percent of all new HIV infections.

In fiscal year 2003, HHS will spend $410 million on programs aimed to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on racial and ethnic minorities. Funding for this program has more than doubled since it was initiated in fiscal year 1999.

For more information on HHS' Closing the Health Gap Campaign, FOIA¬ Privacy ¬ Disclaimers¬ Accessibility

Last updated 23 September 2002
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